Local Kiwanis have served the Oskaloosa community for nearly a century and now a new generation has a chance to chip in. The organization has a family of clubs such as adult, college students, or individuals with disabilities. And now

the two adult groups here in Osky want to introduce a opportunity for middle and high schoolers to join.

Oskaloosa Kiwanis President, Diane Ottosson, says two youth groups have been arranged thanks to the co-sponsorship of two local nonprofits.

"We're really excited that the YMCA, they were looking for some new programs for middle school students. So when we talked to them it was a perfect fit for them to co-sponsor the Builders Club for middle school students. The public library, they already have a teen board, so they already have a group of high school students they are already working with but they were open to the idea of expanding that a bit by also sponsoring the Key Club."

Next Tuesday, January 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m the two adult clubs will host a informational meeting in the upper level of the Oskaloosa Public Library. Club advisors and other Kiwanis members will be present to share details, answer questions, and help students fill out applications.

"What is really terrific about this clubs is that they are student lead groups. While each will have three advisors, one from the co-sponsoring agency and then two from the Kiwanis clubs themselves. The students will be leading the activities that they have. So this will be something they will need to talk about to gather some ideas about service opportunities in the community. Maybe they see a need that we are not in tune with because we are older and out circles run differently.", Ottosson added.

The two youth groups will cost about $200 dollars apiece to start-up. Both Oskaloosa adult Kiwanis Clubs will share the expense. Ottosson added that the Builders Club made up of 11 to 14 year olds won't pay annual dues. However the older adolescents in the Key Club will pay a minimal fee or set a way to work off the payment by volunteering a certain amount of hours.

For more information please contact Kiwanis President Diane Ottosson at 641-672-2859 or email her at
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.